Sony’s 46†KDL-46XBR4 LCDTV, one of 2007’s most eagerly awaited HDTVs, has finally arrived. It is Sony’s first 120Hz LCDTV, with “Full HD†1920 x 1080 resolution. Sony used to make early review samples available to the press, but lately the company has been slow to release hot products to reviewers. The HD Guru™ obtained his test sample thanks to a local retailer’s generosity. The KDL-46XBR4 retails for $3599.99.
The 1080p XBR4 series (40â€Â, 46†and 52â€Â) represents the top-of the line in Sony’s vast array of LCD flat panel high definition televisions. The KDL-46XBR4 employs the “SPVA†(super patterned vertical alignment) LCD panel sourced through its partnership with Samsung. This technology claims both higher contrast and better viewing angles than delivered by any competing LCD panels.
Other features of the KDL-46XBR4 include a “floating†glass design (clear glass extending past the bezel), 10-bit LCD panel (to reduce dithering artifacts by creating more gradations between black and white), Motionflow™ 120Hz “full HD frame rate capability,†which creates interpolated intermediate frames between real frames of image information to reduce LCD “motion blur†(most LCDTVs are 60Hz, more on this later). Its WCG (Wide Color Gamut) CCFL (cold cathode fluorescent lamps) produces more color space than normal fluorescent (backlight) lamps used in many other LCDs, but less than the standard definition NTSC parameters.
While Sony does not provide numbers, Samsung does (remember: they co-own the LCD panel factory), indicating color space at 92% of the NTSC standard as opposed to the 72% reported by most other manufacturers using “regular†CCFLs. The KDL-46XBR4 also has x.v. Color™ technology for reproducing more color with future Playstation 3 games and possibly future HD DVDs and Blu-ray discs, but ultimately its ability to reproduce a fuller spectrum of color is restricted to the WCG CCFL’s limited capabilities.
In order to evaluate the Sony’s performance the HD Guru™ utilized a number of signals, including a new test for motion resolution. Let’s begin with deinterlacing performance.
All 1080i HD broadcasts (CBS, NBC, CW, HBO, Showtime, Discovery HD, HD Net and most of the other HD Networks) must be properly “deinterlaced†(with motion compensation) to 1080p on a frame-by-frame basis in order to properly retain all 1080 lines of resolution on a display. Some 1080p HDTVs “deinterlace†by discarding every other frame, meaning you will see just 50% of the resolution.
I quickly discovered that this Sony does not properly deinterlace 1080i in the factory default “Vivid†picture setting. In fact, it also drops 50% resolution in the “Standard†picture mode as well. However, the set does properly deinterlace the 1080i signal and does deliver all frames, and thus does display the full vertical resolution, in either “Custom†or “Cinema†picture mode!
Why did Sony choose to make the default mode one that fails to properly deinterlace incoming 1080i signals? I haven’t the faintest idea, especially since, according to a number of set makers, the majority of HDTV buyers leave the user settings in the factory default!
If you pick up just one tip from this website, it should be to change your HDTV out of its “showroom default†setting (which may be called “Dynamic†or some other variation) as soon as it is unpacked and connected. The preferred picture setting on most brands will be called “Cinema,†or “Custom,†or “Pro,†or some variation of those. Check your owner’s manual for the choices.
When you select whatever the “advanced†setting is called, it will always deliver a better image under home lighting conditions than the factory default setting, which is intended only for brightly (over)lit dealer showrooms.
The 3:2 cadence test determines if the set’s video processor properly identifies film-based 24fps content and converts it to 60fps (in this and in most 120Hz sets the processor then interpolates and creates an intermediary frame to produce double the frame rate).
This Sony, like most of the 75 2007 models the HD Guru™ tested this year, failed the 3:2 cadence test. Failure results in degraded resolution and/or visible artifacts. Unlike the de-interlace test, where switching picture modes affected the result, the KDL-46XBR4 failed to identify and convert 24fps film-based signal in all picture modes. Silicon Optix’s HQV HD test disc (Blu-ray edition) provided both 3:2 cadence and 1080i de-interlace tests).
Measuring a set’s bandwidth determines its ability to pass the HDTV video signal’s full frequency range. If it is attenuated (reduced), you will not see the finest horizontal resolution detail, or the full 1920 pixels, despite the display’s claimed full resolution. The KDL-46XBR4 passed the entire one pixel on/off signal using a Sencore 403 signal generator. To view every pixel as it is generated, requires changing the user menu “Screen†setting to “Full Pixel†from the “Normal†factory default that produces “overscan†and cuts off around 5% of the total image.
Though the “Normal†factory default only outputs around 1830 out of 1920 pixels, it is set that way to mask artifacts present in HDTV broadcast signals that sometimes produces distracting lines and noise that may otherwise appear at the sides, or top of the screen. However, switching to “Full Pixel†mode is necessary to get full pixel resolution from HD DVD and Blu-ray signals. Just remember to switch back when watching broadcast HDTV.
The latest tests in the HDTV Guru’s arsenal, static and motion resolution measurements are derived from a new 1080i Blu-ray test disc called “FPD Benchmark Software for (the) Professional.†A frame called a “Monoscope Test,†consisting of four groupings of four non-parallel black lines arrayed to form a wedge-shaped patterns (see photo below) that appear at the top, sides and bottom of a center square. To test resolution, you look at the bottom wedge. There are both stationary and moving versions of the test.
The stationary test is for “static†resolution, determined by the point where the lines are no longer seen as separate, and begin to blur together. Numbers adjacent to the wedges help make what is a subjective test, somewhat easier to determine and more reliable. The moving “Monoscope Test†pattern provides the means to measure motion resolution.
As with the de-interlacing test, static and moving resolution results were picture mode dependent. “Custom†and “Cinema†modes produced 1080 “lines†of static resolution and 600 lines of motion resolution. “Standard†mode produced1080/580 static/motion and “Vivid,†the factory default produced a disappointing, but not surprising 880/450 static/motion. This is yet another reason to get this set out of the “Vivid†mode.
The KDL-46XBR4’s maximum 600-line motion resolution performance tied that of a recently tested Sharp 120Hz LCD panel, making these two the highest measuring motion resolution LCD panels to date. Yet both fall short when compared to the best-measured plasma performance (880 lines) or LCOS microdisplay (780 lines).
Color bar observations indicated that primary and secondary colors were rendered quite realistically, with the exception of red, which tended toward an orange-red, possibly the result of a WCG-CCFL backlight limitation.
The HD Guru™ believes there are more user accessible picture controls and settings within this TV than in any other HDTV he’s tested. Too much of a good thing results in a ridiculous and confusing situation whereby some controls don’t appear to produce any visible change, and exactly what they are supposed to do is left unclear because the owner’s manual’s documentation of many of these so-called “features†is so vaguely written, they are rendered meaningless. For instance: here’s a short quote regarding the “Motion Enhancer†feature:
“Activates MotionFlow to enhance the smoothness of picture movement and reduce blur.
High Provides smoother picture movement such as for film based content.
Standard Provides smooth picture movement. Use this for standard use
Off Use this setting when High and Standard setting results in noise.
Depending on the video, you may not see the effect visually, even if you changed the setting.â€Â
They got the last part right. I saw no difference visually, mentally, physically or any other way. Ditto for the MPEG noise reduction feature.
After a careful adjustment of the user controls, the HD Guru™ evaluated picture performance using satellite HD and Blu-ray disc content (sorry no SD sources were available, though Sony’s DRC in the past has done a reasonable job of upconverting standard def content and the KDL-46XBR4 uses the latest version).
Bottom line, this Sony, properly adjusted, produced the best LCD flat panel HD image the HD Guru™ has seen to date. A number of factors are responsible. This panel creates some of the deepest blacks and the best contrast ratio seen on an LCD display. The Samsung/Sony SPVA LCD panel it uses, is, in the HD Guru™’s opinion, is the best LCD panel in the industry. Within the LCD category, the HD Guru™ awards the KDL-46XBR4 ♥♥♥♥.
However, compared to other flat panel HDTVs, regardless of technology, the rating drops down to ♥♥♥, simply because the best plasma TVs produce better images, with better reds, wider viewing angles, and significantly better motion detail and usually for less money!
So why are consumers passing on better performing plasma TVs and spending more money (per inch screen size) for poorer performing large screen LCDs? Because they produce brighter pictures and consumers mistakenly believe “brighter is better.†However, unless one lives in a retail showroom or has set up an ultra-bright, high ambient light viewing environment that mimics a showroom, the HD Guru™ cannot understand why anyone would pay more to buy a top-rated LCD set when a less expensive top-rated plasma set will outperform it while still providing up to three times more light output than necessary in any typical home environment.
Copyright ©2007 Gary Merson/HD Guru™. All rights reserved. The content and photos within may not be distributed electronically or copied mechanically without specific written permission.
I am about to pull the trigger on this set as well. Great tips on setup. But much like Dominion the room this is going in is a two story great room with a wall of windows. The set I purchase must handle a lot of sunlight coming from the south and west onto the screen. If anyone can definitely state that Plasma and / or DLP screens can handle the sunlight without washing out I would be more than happy to pursue them as I will usually be able to find more screen for the $$$. Again great setup tips! About the only thing I am able to actually check in the big box store environment are viewing angle and a little on the screeen glare by checking how bright the store’s lights reflect back – a bad omen for my situation. Are there any plasma or DLPs that can handle the sunlight?
I also notice that you haven’t focused on the 120hz motion. Sure it may up the lines of resolution for motion but it makes the image look terrible. I work in a retail store and both the samsung 71 and sony xbr make you want to barf when you turn on this feature. It takes away any good cinematic effect and makes the image look like it was filmed to be a documentary. It also makes the motion move too fast. Mouths don’t sync up with audio. It’s simply terrible. Maybe it would be good for watching football. We even put in the standard def Pirates bonus disc that comes with the Blu-ray movie. With the 120 on the video was almost a full second ahead of the audio. It was like watching a bad pirated movie on a computer. Im sorry but I would never spend an extra $1000 for one of these lcd over a plasma. For all you people who say lcd is cheaper look again. 52 inch lcds will retail for $3500 while a 50 inch plasma will be $2500-$3000. I say anyone buying a tv needs to actually look around with their eyes open before shelling out extra money.
regarding James posting of 8/22, I have an 46xrb5
is it possible to give all the settings with the picture mode in Cinema or custom??????
Hello,
You mention you can’t understand why people would pay more for LCD when plasma gives a better picture, except in bright light situations.
I think perhaps you may under estimate the number of people who have a less than ideal environment where a plasma would reflect so much that it would only be watchable at night. The larger the TV the larger the problem.
I have 25′ of glass overlooking the SF Bay which I can watch the sunset over the city. For me, I need a TV which works with my “million dollar view” and not one which I have to cover it up just to watch TV.
im alittle confused abotu what HD Guru is sayign about acceptign 24p signals and 120hz stuff. Sony says there TVs accept 1080/24p and display them the CORRECT way WITHOUTany covnersions. this to me soudsn like the 24p signals that come into the TVS will not need a reverse 3:2 pulldown on them.
Very much appreciate the thorough review and commentary.
After much research I finally broke down and purchased the 46XBR4.
Overall i had been happy with the TV but started to grow concerned that the picture wasn’t quite as sharp as i had hoped. I decided to buy a blu-ray player and do my own testing to see if the lack of clarity was due to the tv or due to the source (mostly 1080i content) that was being sent to the tv. WOW! What a difference. The blu-ray content was truly stunning with 1080p output directly to the tv. Even still, i did notice some motion issues (see Peter’s comment back on Sept 1st) during fast scenes. After many hours of playing with the different settings i isolated the source. In the picture settings menu there’s a setting for “Cinemotion” that’s supposed to “enhance” the quality of film based content. This Cinemotion setting defaults to “Auto 1″ for all inputs. I played with the setting and “Auto 2″ fixed the issue. I now have “Auto 2″ set for all of my inputs and its made all the difference.
As the HDGuru said in his review, this TV has a dizzying array of settings/options. After many hours of playing with these settings i have fin-tuned the tv and I must say that I’m truly happy with my choice. Picture quality is stunning and the overall design/quality of the tv is remarkable. Hope this commentary helps other owners fine-tune their XBR4.
I don’t want to beat this 24fps 3:2 pulldown thing to death, but according to the quote below from the Sony website for this exact TV, the Sony does not do any 3:2 with 24fps content. And since the ps3 and some other high def DVD players output at true 24fps (no 3:2), then this TV should be doing 5:5. Here’s the quote:
Motionflowâ„¢ 120 Hz with Full HD high frame rate capability
Taking motion performance to the next level requires innovation and expertise. Enter Sony’s Motionflowâ„¢ High Frame Rate technology. Motionflowâ„¢ detects the incoming video signal and applies the appropriate processing for optimum motion reproduction. Taking full advantage of film sourced 24fps encoded content available on DVD and Blu-ray Disc, Motionflowâ„¢ eliminates the need for 3:2 pulldown and delivers smooth, judder free video, faithfully preserving the integrity of the original film. When 60fps content is detected, Motionflowâ„¢ doubles the amount of frames and uses real-time calculation to create a new level of natural motion reproduction. You’ll experience movies and sports with a greater sense of realism than ever before.
Hey az! You should check out the 46XBR4! I’m so pleased with mine! Looks like the extra specs have given this TV none to very little motion blur. (Not enough to really notice).
I watch a lot of NASCAR and NFL Football and am very pleased with the way the TV handles fast motion.
Is the motion blur on LCD’s any less distracting at home then it is at the stores? I sat for 3 hours at circuit city and best buy, trying to convince myself that every time a pass was thrown during a fb game, that i wasnt having brainfreeze. i watch a lot of hockey, so until the motion blur is eliminated, i just cant trust putting big $’s to an lcd.
My sony 46″ rear projection has served me well, but i need a new tv. I do worry about burn-in, since my kids decided a nice nickelodeon bug was just what i wanted to have perminantly burned-in.
I was ready to put down $3k on the new pioneer 5080, but would really like to save $1500 and just get a panasonic TH-50PX75U, fits my needs maybe, i could then buy my wife a new dishwasher..
I changed the setting from warm2 to cool and it seems to have fixed the orange tint on the red color.
So have they discontinued the silver bezel from the XBR2? That would be very unfortunate since I’ve got a (miserable performance but really cool looking) Platinum Dream HTIB system with the same floating glass and brushed metal look. Can you confirm that they aren’t offering the brushed metal on the 4 or 5, or even on the replacement bezels?
Your description of how the XBR4 handles 1080p/24 Hz was intriguing. Do you think the proper handling of 1080P/24 will always be handled by the Blue/Ray or HD/DVD player? Will any TVs do the proper conversion itself? Can the Players output unconverted signals for the TV to decode?
It seems that Mitusbishi especially with their new 244 series Diamond models is trying to join the top quality LCD’s club. Did you have a look at them in Denver? Any reviews forthcoming?
At least to my taste the thin bezel make them visually appealing, but I haven’t seen the screen image.
They are big bucks and just wondered if they’re worth it.
All I can say is “WOW”! What a nice TV (KDL-46XBR4)! Yeah, it did cost me big bucks but I feel it was well worth the investment.
Black levels are excellent, motion blur is not an issue and focus and clarity are very good, (images are clear and well separated). Very good in standard def as well. Haven’t hooked up a Blueray or DVD HD yet, (will have to wait for Christmas), but am looking forward to picture quality with a 1080P input.
If you want a very good performer and are willing to shell out the big bucks, this is the TV for you!
If someone id going to invest over $10,000 on their video/audio system, what type of TV will they buy: plasma, front projector or LCD?
At a high end electronics store, I was able to view 52xbr2 v. 50pz700u…. the sony lcd had excellent colors…. but the motion blur is such a turn off. It irratates the heck out of me, I will be watching a lot of HD sports, and I would not be able to tolerate motion blur after having spent $4k on a tv…. that being said, the 50pz700u is not as bright as the sony, but motion blur was not noticable, the image was crisp and it stood out on a wall of many tv’s as the best picture…. i ended up going with a 58pz700u
HD Guru,
Can you post the before and after calibration reports.Include Color Point Accuracy, Color Decoder Error,Uniformity,Color temperature.
How does the 10-bit processor compare with the 32-bit processing capability of, say, JVC?
Does a higher bit-speed processor allow compensation for some of the same issues that 120 Hz is addressing?
Oh yes, which did I buy. Well, I just bought a new 46″ XBR4. I haven’t calibrated it yet. Got employee pricing from a friend and the deal was sweet. The next day, I left and am still in Northern Canada (Ft.McMurray – Oil Sands area) and am coming home Friday to my new baby (TV). Will be looking for glare on the screen, will try to critique the blacks some more and watch for motion blur once I set it up and watch a Blu-ray movie or sports (Hockey, other game). I look forward to providing my comments later.
Thanks everyone for your insight and comments. It is helping me in my decision making as well – itching to buy for first time in 18 years and I just did though all your comments are confusing me – which one did I buy? more on that below.
However, let’s refrain from foul words, it is unbecoming. I mean for the most part, I sense that HDGuru is being both objective and subjective. He sounds human to me, just like you and me.
I sense he likes the Plasmas more and there are some good reasons. As well, there are good reasons to like LCD’s.
This week, I had the privilege of viewing Pioneer TV’s (Elite and Non-Elite beside new Samsung 1080P Plasma and LNT4665 LCD, Hitachi Plasma, Sharp 82 series LCD, SONY LCD W2000 from a short distance away in the same room, but unfortunately not the new Panasonics or new SONY XBR4/5. The facilitator swears that he calibrated all TV’s properly. He had a SONY 300 series Blu-ray playing new Superman movie and some test discs and also showed a Satellite HDTV 1080i signal (i.e. PBS HD).
I soon realized specs weren’t everything.
For the most realistic picture, the Pioneer won, everytime. Simply, the picture was a step above compared to others present. Picture meaning the colour accuracy, the whites were whiter, blacks were BLACK. Even when paused, flower contours were sharper and you know what, the model I’m referring to was not their 1080P model, although they had one there too. That’s right ! I heard Pioneer pulled this non-1080P model trick in Toronto, Canada a few months back when showing Distributor Reps, but now I’ve seen it for myself. Quite the feat. I guess that’s what you get when you have the smarts and control/ownership of manufacturing the entire TV as Pioneer does.
However, I can’t stand Piano Black bezels (too reflective & distracting – beautiful looking but not functional) when images are mirroring in it. As well, I noticed lots of reflection in most all the Plasmas screens compared with LCD screens. So for any backlight or sunlight hours watching (my TV room has Sun coming in most of the day – faces N.W., LCD is the winner. I heard the new XBR4 is even better at this.
As for motion blur, I couldn’t see a real difference between Plasmas or LCD’s – I probably would have to stand there longer than the 2 hour visit I made during this viewing.
best regards to all shoppers.
Anticipating new Pioneer models, but also LED backlight LCD’s and XBR4 models.
I would like to echo the question on comparing the XBR4 to the Panasonic. I have not been able to see them side by side but am really curious what someone with a trained eye (like, I assume, the Guru), would say. Or should I just wait for the new Pioneer?! thx
I have the Sony 40″ xbr2 in my basement, not a lot of light there. What do you suggest the custom settings be put on? I am a first time reader and your information is highly technical, but extremely insightful. Thanks for the help.
HD Guru. I have been looking at buying a 50+ flat panel TV for some time, and have narrowed it down to:
Panasonic TH-50PZ700U
Sony KDL-52XBR4
I have heard all the relative scare stories
Sony LCD Backers
- Plasmas will burn in when you are watching sports with the scores and tickers
- Plasmas are too reflective when placed in your family room
- Not bright enough
Panasonic Plasma Backers
- Poor black/color reproduction
- Poor handling of fast action sports (Hockey, Baseball, Tennis…)
- Poor viewing at angles….
Yesterday I had the chance to view side by side. I was watching US Open tennis both in SD and HD.
- The Sony was brighter, and the purple-blue US Open background was BRIGHTER (maybe more pleasant) but less realistic color when compared the Panasonic. The tennis balls didn’t significantly (I couldn’t see any diff) produce more trail or blur on the Sony versus the Panasonic.
- In the store setting the Panasonic didn’t have too much trouble with reflection.
I am purchasing the TV for a family room, that is moderately bright during the day (my current 36″ SD CRT has some trouble with reflection). We will of course watch as much HD content as possible. Currently we watch your standard TV programs most of the time, and 1 or 2 DVD Movies a week….
My 9 year old also plays some GameCube (soon to be Wii) games.
Given our viewing habits, and the general family room location would the Plasma still be the better choice? The price difference and better blacks\colors are hard to dismiss. My wife does like the overall look of the XBR4 more (even when turned off….)
Your opinion would be very much appreciated. Thanks,
HD Guru,
If you were to spend you money, what 46″ hdtv would you buy. I ahve gone back and forth between the samsung 4665 and the sony 46w3000. Thanks so much.
HD Guru, I’m really torn here and not sure what to do. Is there really much difference b/n the 52xbr3 and 52xbr4 to justify the extra $$? Also, I can get the Panasonic 58″ top of the line plasma for only $3600 brand new (supplier discount :)), but when I saw it in the store compared to the xbr3 and xbr4, the picture quality was terrible. It just didn’t pop with color or brightness-could have been the settings, but I was not impressed.
I know you love plasmas, but if price were equal would you by the xbr or panasonic plasma? Thanks for your input!!!!
This sounds kind of dumb but what kind of HDTV would be more suitable for playing video game. I looked at Plasma vs LCD vs rear projection each has its own issues. I am leaning away from rear projection because of the light bulb and the color wheel issues. That leaves me between plasma and LCD, searching around the web I found out that Plasma is not suited for gaming. Since as a percentage of usage, gaming is very higher than viewing. The persistent image is an issue with plasma (???, HD Guru help me here) and also I have brightly lit living room (west facing and way too many windows), so glare is an issue which I see it in currently in the CRT TV. This narrows my choice to LCD and waiting for 120Hz with price reduction during the shopping season.
My choice right now is either 46XBR4 or Samsung 46 inch 81series. I mainly play PS3, so what would be better choice? Does 120Hz help the gaming experience? I compared the demo unit of 81series and sharp, IMHO 81series seemed better to me and there was no XBR4 to compare. And my wife wants to do a photo slide show in the TV.
HD Guru what would be your advise/suggestion? Do I need to look at plasma or rear projection (LCos/DLP)?
I have ask an industry person to write an article regarding HD gaming. Should be up soon.
The HD GuruÂÂ
Hi,
I was in Circuit City and was very impressed on the whole by the 46XBR4, bnut I do have two questions that I hope you can answer ASAP because I am thinking about getting it or the Sony 46W3000 this Labor Day weekend. The W3000 is being reduced for the Labor Day holiday from $2999 to $2599, and the XBR4 from $3599 to $3230.
The store was using the Fantastic Four Blu-ray disc and it looked excellent, except the salesperson (who doesn’t work on commidsion, it seems) siad he and other staff, and some customers have noticed a possible motion glith caused by the 120. He said sometimes in a quick moment a character will by moving quicker or slightly slower than norman. He said they have only noticed it on the 46BRX2, and the cause is the Motionflow 120Hz. Have you see that?
2. After watching the screen from a distance of about 9 feet or so for about 20 minutes, I noticed I felt a slight bit of a headache. Has anyone else devloped a headache from an LCD screen like that? I hope that’s not the case.
Currently, I have an Optoma HD72 projector and I love the huge image, but I do worry about the lamp burning out, and I miss the inner brightness of the screen from my regular TV. Plus the room has to be totally dark to get the full benefit of the HD72.
Many movies are filmed at 24 frames per second (fps) and prime time TV programs are recorded at 24p. Seizing on an opportunity, some studios are taking a purist approach and encoding high definition video content such as Blu-ray Discâ„¢ in 24p. Sony wisely takes advantage of this by including 24p output capability on our Blu-ray Discâ„¢ players as well as including 24p input capability select 2007 BRAVIA TVs. The benefit? Images are smooth and natural looking. Once you experience 24p video it will be hard to view video without it.
What would you advise?
Re-evaluate the sets out of the factory default mode picture “Vivid” and into cinema or custom mode and adjust the user controls till dark areas are not below black (brightness) and light areas are not pushed into white (contrast+ backlight). According to a seminar I attended the other day in Berlin Germany by Philips. if you input 24 hertz to an LCD and it has 5-5 pulldown (repeats the frame five times in US) you will eliminate judder (herky jerky side motion in pans) but loes the faster response time of Motion flow, thereby seeing “motion blur” in fast scenes. Perhaps the motion flow contol at the current circuits settings you have it at does not provide a smooth flow .
The HD Guru
“So why are consumers passing on better performing plasma TVs and spending more money (per inch screen size) for poorer performing large screen LCDs?”
Just like in buying speakers, satisfaction is highly subjective.
Until recently, plasma wasn’t offering 1080p native; that was a clincher for me. All the REcomputation that has to go on in the background defeats the purpose of HD. Additionally, the newest plasma sets gin’d up to display 1080p can consume nearly twice the power as a comparably sized LCD. Those that study specs are certainly making educated decisions; I found one of the newest Panasonic 50″ plasma units is rated at a skosh above 700 watts ~ that’s ridiculous. And to think folks have the nerve to get their undies in twist over global warming and replacing bulbs with CFL’s. LMAO
At the end of the day, HD display technology has come so far in recent years that the generation to generation gains are really quite small…it’s all about diminishing returns (on the dollars spent) on a technology that has really reached the apex. All that’s left now is PRICE POINT in order to convert/saturate the masses.
Just my 3 cents…
Plasmas are dynamic devices while most LCDs are still static as far as power consumption goes meaning plasmas fluctuate power consupmtion with image brightness while many LCDs do not. According to the HD Guru’s tests Plasmas have a slight (about 5%) advantage over similar size LCD using factory default showroom settings. Both have a long way to go in effecientcy, but currently there is no advantage in LCD over plasma for power consumption, plasma in real viewingsettings uses a little less power.ÂÂ
The HD Guru  ÂÂ
1.We hear the LCD VS Plasma thing alot but what about rear projection LCD. Alot of people say to get the full benefit of 1080p go to 60″
So I was thinking of the new Sony KDS-60A3000.
How do you think a tv like this will compare to the LCD 52″ XBR4. Who has the better picture quality LCD or Rear Projection LCD. I know the benefit of LCD is the fact you can hang it on the wall, but i dont care about that. I just care about picture quality. Thank you for your help. I’m really stuck between these two tvs.
2. I saw the XBR4 @ best buy and they showed a clip of “House” and “Pirates” and it looked weird. It looked like it was shot by a different camara. It looked more raw. More like an amateur camara. It made the image look super sharp though, but i couldnt get used to it
Any idea why?
Hard to say, however it may have been the sets default setting is in the Vivid mode. According to my tests, this mode cuts the vertical resolution up 50% (using 1080i source) and cuts the horizontal to as low as 450 lines due to motion blur and poor processing. Perhaps you need to change the viewing mode out of vivid or standard (Nothing is definitive since I can’t see the same demo you are seeing)
The HD Guru
This is sort of an aside to your review, which I hope is okay, as you seem to invite comments about LCDs broadly. I have heard that the limited edition 70″ Sony Bravia LCD uses LED BL, the so-called Triluminous system first developed for the now defunct Qualia line. Samsung has the new 81 series LCD that uses LED BL. What’s your take on what improvements LED BL will bring to top-end LCDs?
Samsung uses white LEDs while Sony used red, green and blue LEDs in the quaila, which consumed a lot of power. We s
will have to wait and see, however the Sony retails for $30000.
The hd guru
I’m a little confused by the reply above. You mention you haven’t tested it with 1080p/24 input, yet you say the TV converts 60Hz to 120Hz internally. How can you be sure that the TV cannot take 1080p/24 and display each frame 5 times to achieve 120Hz?
I have a PS3 which can output 1080p/24 and reducing 3:2 pulldown judder (will be 6:4 on a 120Hz panel) is the highest importance to me.
Thanks for your review.
Gandalf
None of the 120 HZ TV convert directly to 120Hz. I know because I have asked all the 120 HZ LCD vendors. To know you achieve proper 3:2 pulldown, get a Blur-ay or HD DVD player that will send a 1080p/60 signal that is properly decoded. I have confirmed the Samsung BDP-1200 (Blu-ray) and the Toshiba HD-XA2 (HD-DVD) do this. Both use the Silicon Optix Reon chip.
HD Guru ÂÂ
Thanks for the objective review! I have a 40XBR4 on order and am currently using a PS3 for my DVD/Blu-ray player. Thanks for the tip on the “custom” mode – that should take care of that issue. The 3:2 pulldown issue is still confusing to me. If I feed the set a 1080p signal no pulldown is necessary – correct? If I feed the set a 24fps or 60fps signal no pulldown is necessary (becasue of the even multiple of 120) – correct? I thought the whole benefit of the 120hz panels was to bypass 3:2 pulldown for all sources. Please try to put this into laymans terms if you can. Thanks!
I agree with you this is confusing. First lets get 120 Hz off the table, because it is the Sony LCD TV that internally converts to 120 Hz from 60 Hz by doing a frame interpolation of the 60 Hz content. You only need to be concerned about how content gets converted to 1080p/60Hz (within the source or the Sony LCD).
Your best bet is to use a Blu-ray player that will convert its native film based content from 1080p/24 to 1080p/60 by accurately achieving 3:2 conversion (I have not tested the PS3 but others have). When the 3:2 is done within the player it is not needed to be done within the TV, working around Sony’s inabilitiy to properly do 3:2 pulldown . The TV will simply take the 60 frame content and convert it to display @120HZ leaving the proper cadence intact.
You can use the Silicon Optix Blu-ray test disc to make sure your player is doing 3:2 properly.
 There will be a special offer soon for the HD Guru’s disciples :) (I mean readers) to purchase the HQV HD discs at a substantial discount.
The HD Guru    ÂÂ
Hey all,
I just got the XBR4 40 inch but I have a major problem. Whenever I push the DISPLAY button on the controller, it shows that the TV is only in 1080i mode. I thought it would always upconverts to 1080p. I have never seen the display read 1080p…no matter what HD channel. Is there something I need to do to get it to display 1080P?
Marc
“Display” shows input signal not output.
The HD GuruÂÂ
Where can I buy blu-ray FPD Benchmark test disc.
The FPD disc is currently only available to the trade. Perhaps they will make it available to consumers soon. The Silicon Optix Blur-ay and HD-DVD are available to the public.
The HD GuruÂÂ
The best tv right now
The bottom line: The Pioneer PDP-5080HD produces the deepest shade of black–and thus one of the best pictures–we’ve ever tested.
http://reviews.cnet.com/flat-panel-and-plasma/pioneer-pdp-5080hd/4505-6482_7-32476901.html?tag=bubbl_4
Informative review. I really appreciate the actual tests done as opposed to the overly subjective reviews. I have mostly been considering LCD for now, due to concern over image retention from games. It is the only significant thing pushing me to LCD over Plasma. I have been reading several recent accounts of plasma image retention from gamers who might have a 3-4 hour session gaming, and then be irritated over the retained menus showing up in the movie they are watching afterwards.
I have one question however on LCDs. I am assuming that these issues of poor interlacing are tied to the image processor on the panel. If I was to use my AV receiver to do that for my instead, upscaling images to 1080p, to sent to an LCD that accepts 1080p input, would that take care of that issue?
Depends on the quality of the scaler within the SS receiverÂÂ
Also, how would that work with a 24fps source? Does the panel have to do the 3:2 pull down, or can/should the AVR do that for it as well? (and the 120hz sets seem more confusing on how they handle that, as none seem to yet do 5:5 pulldown.
Didn’t test with 24 fps, if you feed it the 1080p 60 signal receiver would be handling the 3:2 conversionÂÂ
And I’ll second RUSTY PELICAN’s hope for a review of JVC’s upcoming 120hz LCDs. Though I think the series is LT-37X898/LT-42X898/LT-47X898, not 888. Those can do 120hz, and have a second generation motion blur reduction technique being advertised.
Any information on whether these setting recommendations would also apply to the KDL-46XBR2?
I don’t like Plasmas picture. Too grainy. I prefer the detail of the LCD. Brighter? I didn’t like the Plasma bright or dark. I didn’t like the LCD on dark. Why would I?
I prefer a mid-level brightness settings for the LCD while still maintaining the detail over the Plasmas at any setting.
What’s funny is that every time I step into a show room. Guess which HDTV looks the brightest? The Plasmas. Yes, they turn both the Plasma and LCDs really high on their brightness settings (“Vivid?”). Yet, I still choose the LCDs after tinkering with the settings (which includes TURNING DOWN THE BRIGHTNESS).
This is the first time I have read someone refer to plasma as grainy. Grainy images can be attributed to video noise and image artifacts though I don’t know if you are commenting on the pixel structure or source image defects. The former is highly dependent on the native resolution and viewing distance to the panel and the latter are dependent on user settings and the input signal.
HD GuruÂÂ
ÂÂ
Rusty Pelican;
Sony is licensed to use Faroudja technology. You will usually see a tag somewhere on the back of their sets.
Sony quietly downplays,when they use some other technology not made by them. :-)
I have a Sony KDL-46XBR2 set up for OTA and 15 ft away a Sony 25″ CRT Trinitron.I have been viewing the same analog channel on both sets simultaneously since Thanksgiving 2006. My observations say this:
1…The blacks are better on the LCD
2…The contrast has far more range on the LCD
3…The contrast is much greater on the LCD
4…The brightness is much greater on the LCD
5…The LCD will spiderweb the HD graphics (sometimes) and the SD text most of the time
6…Banding on the CRT analog will also show on the LCD digital if viewing the same channel in digital or analog.
7…Network broadcasters will “slow focus” changes (HD) from local to network sources by about a 1/4 second some times, not all the time
8…The LCD will make tiny focus changes with objects moving slowly on the screen—news anchor moving his head making wiskers go in and out of focus on both 720P and 1080i channels. This is not the fast motion blur which the LCD does have.
9…Even then the LCD is about a zillion percent sharper than the CRT.
10…The LCD has zero linearity distortion whereas the CRT is not even in the ballpark
11…The LCD according to my AVIA test DVD is set to 2.5 percent overscan whereas the CRT is about 10 to 20 percent.
12…The CRT has an obvious blue color cast whereas the LCD is perfect according to the AVIA disc and my eyes.
13…The LCD has many more controls and input adjustments.
14…The LCD has no bad pixels, banding, or ghosting.
15…Settings on LCD:
Picture mode———standard
Backlight————2
Picture————–74
Brightness———–55
Color—————-50
Hue——————0
Color temp———–Nuetral
Sharpness————55
Noise reduction——auto
DRC mode————-1
DRC pallette———Custom
Reality————–50
Clarity————–50
Widemode————-full
Autowide————-on
4.3 default———-normal
Display area———normal
Horizontal center—-0
While there is motion blur on the LCD I am really happy with its performance inspite of the overall not too good SD performance. In my opinion the CRT is dead and the Plasma is not far behind.
JJK
If you would like to double the vertical resolution of 1080i sources may I suggest you change the “picture mode” setting from standard to cinema or custom. The “Standard” and “Vivid” modes Bob from one 540 line field to the next, with the display doubling up each line to fill the 1080 line screen, resulting in a whopping 50% loss in image resolution. This is what I mean by not properly deinterlacing. You will need to change many of the users settings after you chose one of the picture two modes that properly deinterlace.
HD GuruÂÂ
ÂÂ
I’ve appreciated your reviews for several years now [Digital TV and Sound Mag. etc], and am very familiar with pro/cons of both LCDs and plasmas, and the fact that over 80% of all TV displays are released to the marketplace without superior video processing chips that can “pass” the film-signal 1080i deinterlacing tests [although most pass the video-signal tests].
It frustrates me that these major electronic companies will charge a premium for their technology [although prices are finally moving down in some areas], yet fail to include the quality processing chips, like the HQV chip, and others from Broadcom, Faroudja etc.
In fact, Panasonic, Sony, Sharp, Samsung, etc never ever mention in promotional material the name of their processing chips! Yes, their sets provide a generally good picture, but it still comes up short of “FULLY PROCESSED” (and accurate) HDTV.
As far as I know, the only manufacture that consistently provides quality displays, with video processing that “passes” the deinterlacing and scaling tests, is PIONEER (plasma), but who else?
I’m keeping my eye on the forthcoming JVC premium 888 series 120hz LCDs (arriving next month), as I believe JVC is the only company using a 32-bit chip for processing(?), and their displays have always looked excellent in store displays [very good image quality]. Perhaps you can review one of the new sets.
I appreciate plasma quality, but I can live with less black level quality of an LCD if it also can provide accurate and fully processing of the 1080i HD signals, from HD DVD, Blu-ray, upconverted DVD, cable/satellite boxes etc.
The HD Guru’s alter ego Gary Merson has tested 74 2007 HDTVs for deinterlacing and accurate 3:2 pulldown. This is the largest test ever conducted by a reviewer. More will be revealed in an post later this week.
The HD Guru ÂÂ
No mention of viewing angles and/or mura defects (clouds) that have plagued previous XBRs
Critique.
You did not seem to test the 120 hz in motion testing very much…where this should have been the main part of the test.
Its good to know that Custom enables more features…thanks for that…the most important thing in this review.
I understand you need to write this for newbie users, but most people understand how to tweak settings. Many of those settings are for sub par signals.
You did not seem to test the TV on sports broadcasts…a major failure.
You did not seem to watch a blue ray movie and comment on what you saw.
I come away not convinced you tested the 24fps features.
Each feature has a help feature on the TV…who needs the manual. Most these things you tweak out.
Since most people use standard as you say…it makes sense to have that feature avoid side of screen artifacts at all costs. Anyone understanding them….will also understand how to tweak their own settings….hence they use custom.
Plamas are fragile…can have burn in…which will cause major family strife if Junior kills Dads TV with his Wii. Plasma are reflective and suck in the majority of living rooms during the day.
If you have a walled off dark room for movies fine….but most people enjoy watching TV during the day too.
Bottomline….talk much more about tests that people can see on their own sets. Comment on HD sources like the Tonight Show…which everyone gets….watch some sports and comment.
Watch a specific movie and comment.
Right now the 300 is like the offical DVD tester of choice. To a lesser degree the last Bond movie.
Thank you for the review….it was useful
Courageous … insightful review.
SONYSTYLE INFO -On or Off the Web- CAN BE CONFUSING
***************************************************
Sonystyle employess have to be very, very ambitious to understand and accurately promote the wide range of LCD-TV’s that they sell.
However, in my dealings, they have tended to skip over a range of important technical issues, saying: “… just pick the picture you like the best…”. On that basis, their best, non-XBR picture these days is their W3000 series. All the others look “underexposed and over saturated”.
So too, Sony staff have stressed to me that their set-ups are out-of-the box factory settings. While this may imply an unbiased, arms length approach to product-demos, it can — as we see in this review — under represent a product’s in-the-home potential.
CONCLUSION
Sony’s marketing managers should all be asked to read your review as part of a case-study workig session. That session should begin with a prodct demo by a randomly selected sales staff, and end with a product demo by he HD GURU.
Have a great day.
Thanks for the XBR4 review; I almost pre-ordered one, based on the stated specs – but what *are* these top of the line plasmas you speak of?
Frankly, I’d love a persistent link that lists your top three for best plasma, best LCD, best DLP/microdisplay, and best “bang for the buck”. Then you could just point me there. :)
Thanks for all your hard work. I appreciate the information. Keep up the great work.
I’m a guy in my fifties still “selling” my wife on the concept of High-Def.
Great review! I can’t wait for you to put the Samsung 81s through its paces. You do a great service for the community. When I finally do buy my ultimate ‘high end’ LCD, I’m going to use your review as the gold standard before spending a penny. :)
Whenever LCDs produce CRT level blacks I will feel more comfortable. I hate seeing leaking light and glowing black backgrounds in LCDs, it is very distracting. Although with plasma I still can’t get the thought of image retention/burn in. In time I guess things will get better.
But you would rather your readers put up with the burn in problem on plasmas you were so obviously concerned about in your article about black stripes on DirectTv receivers.You say it’s not much of a problem anymore? Just like you don’t say that the OLD problems with LCD is not a problem any more. Never mine the fact that many people report buzzing sounds from their plasma in high altitudes. Never mind the fact that some plasmas still leak. This reader has first hand experience. Never mind the fact that plasmas are generally more expensive then lcd’s,consume more power,heavier,more fragile and only perform better in low light conditions. Never mine that manufactures have dropped plasmas from their lineup.
You keep talking about degradation on viewing angles. In the real world,I simply don’t see it. My set is only rated for 160 degree viewing angle. The latest sets have 178 degree viewing angle. The motion blur,again I don’t see it. Maybe I’m not as sophisticated as you or don’t have a trained eye. I simply don’t see motion blur.
Many plasma’s have reflective glass screens which causes havoc with viewing in real world conditions. I never hear you talking about that.
If LCD’s are inferior,why did the motion picture academy award Sharp Aquos with a academy award for superior technology? Why is NBC using a Sharp Aquos 65 inch LCD in their Today Television broadcasts? Why during last years academy awards show were their two Sharp Aqous 65 inch LCD’s flanking the stage? Why is CNN using LCD in their broadcasts? NBC Sunday Night football uses large screen LCD’s in portrait mode,admittedly secondary to 103 inch Panasonic plasma.
I travel the world,in most hotel rooms,you will find LCD.
Plasma’s only have slightly better blacks and contrast ratio. LCD’s will soon surpass with new technology such as local dimming led back lighting. Home Theater magazine just tested the latest generation Sharp Aqous 52 inch panel and reports deeper blacks then most plasma’s they tested.
I’m tired of LCD’s getting a bad rap. You are obviously slanted to plasma and you keep reporting on old LCD problems which have been overcome. Plasma was first out the gate,but now LCD has overtaken and the sales figures bear that out world wide. It is not just me.
Plasma is old technology,fighting to compete with LCD.
The best news of all? OLED will eventually overtake LCD and plasma.
After this,you will probably ban me. Readers,I have been involved with consumer electronics since the 1950′s when I built crystal radios and helped “wire” my old neighborhood with intercoms. I have owned most of all the older technologies leading up today’s products.
Great review, but people like LCD TV’s for lots of reasons. Brighter picture? how about more flexibility? The evolution of LCD TV is truly amazing. Give it 3 stars of you feel it deserves 3, but don’t penalize it because it’s an LCD.
Perhaps the HD Guru was not clear enough regarding his reasoning. This Sony raises the bar for LCD flat panels, but in terms of overall performance, especially motion resolution, the best LCDs still don’t measure up to the best plasmas (or microdisplays in terms of motion). If the Sony was given four hearts instead of three it may have misled readers to believe it is just as good as the best plasma in terms of overall performance. I felt I needed to make the comparison against all HDTVs Thanks for the input.
The HD GuruÂÂ
ÂÂ